Mega city near Alex

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A new city within a city project close to Alexandra has been launched.

The project, Zendai Modderfontein was announced on 9 March at Modderfontein Reserve by Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane and Zhikang Dai, the chairperson of Chinese investment company, Zendai. The project will cost R84 billion.

Present at the signing of the agreement was Chinese vice-consul General Peidong Yang, Gauteng MEC for Economic Development Mxolisi Xayiya and business representatives from both countries.

Construction will take place on sixteen hectares of land close to Alexandra, Thembisa, Ivory Park and suburbs around Modderfontein. It is designed as a modern eco-friendly city with a central city centre, business, trade and logistics park, light industries, local and international residential units, retirement village, educational institutions, training, cultural and sports centres.

Dai said the project would be completed in 15-20 years and will begin next year with educational, arts and culture infrastructure being priorities. “A University of Africa with 30 000 student capacity will be completed in a year, four to five multilingual schools, vocational training centres for 5 000 learners and an art and culture precinct will be completed in three years,” he said.

“We will start with these as contribution to the South African government’s priority on national economic development through improved access to education, preservation and promotion of national cultural heritages with other global partners.

“Also, Chinese tourism contributes significantly to South Africa, and 150 000 Chinese tourists came to South Africa last year and have been increasing by 40 percent annually.”

Chief project designer, Dr Bochong Chen said, “The city’s architectural design is multi-functional buildings with eco-friendly transport networks for low carbon emission and a balance between ecological, natural preservation and economic development.

“Its central business district, trade and light industry will boost trade which currently stands at R60 billion between the two countries. A total of 200 000 jobs would be created and 100 000 permanent residents would live in the city.”

Commending the project Mokonyane said it affirmed global economic players’ confidence in South Africa as a friendly investment destination and continental economic leader. The project would also dispel negative perceptions about investment from Asian countries through quality services and products. It will offer employment and business opportunities for residents and entrepreneurs from Alexandra, Thembisa and Ivory Park.